Interview with Hayley Rose, author of 'The Do's and Don'ts'
Multi-award-winning author Hayley Rose released her first children’s
book, Fifo When I Grow Up, about a six-year-old bear starting school in
2002, followed by the wildly popular geography book and #1 best-seller, Fifo
50 States, published in 2010. In 2012, Hayley was selected as one of “The
Top 50 Writers You Should Be Reading” by AuthorsShow.com. In 2013, she branched
out with a new series featuring a new set of characters, Zach and Chloe the
Louis the manner monster. Her new book, The Do’s and Don’ts, was
released in September 2013 and has already garnered four literary awards,
including the Readers’ Favorite, USA Best Books and the prestigious Mom's
Choice Awards, bringing her career total to twenty-one. The follow up book in
the new series, Today I Feel Emotion, will be released in the spring of
2014.
Hayley Lives in Scottsdale, AZ, with her dog Blanche.
Visit her website at www.booksbyhayleyrose.com.
Welcome to my blog and congratulations on the release of your book, Hayley! Tell us about it and your inspiration for it.
The Do's and Don'ts is a
whimsical lesson book aimed at teaching young readers the difference between
good and bad behavior/etiquette. In the book Zack and Chloe go from being
manner monsters to well-behaved children as they provide samples of typical
scenarios that not only young children encounter but can relate to. For
example, Zack becomes a Manner Monster when he loses a game, kicking and
pouting like a poor sport. In contract, good behavior is then modeled
depicting Zack congratulating the winning team. Unlike other etiquette books
for children that tell a story or just communicate positive behavior, The
Do's and Don'ts compares and contrasts between good and bad behavior.
Simply, yet colorfully displayed, are examples of inappropriate behavior
and decisions young children may display followed by behavior and decisions
that are more socially accepted. Each compare and contrast anecdote is set in
the same scene so that young readers can instantly see the differences between
good and poor behavior.
I was inspired to write The Do's and
Don'ts after spending time with my goddaughter and godson.
This book is my way of helping to teach them how to be thoughtful,
respectful and considerate of others round them. The Do’s and
Don’ts is packed full of lessons like don’t cut in lines or interrupt
others while they are talking, to don’t be a bad sport if you don’t win the
game or talk with your mouth full of food. I have also included lessons
on how to stay safe, like don’t open the door to strangers and be sure to look
both ways before crossing a street. Good manners help to better
relationships with those around you.
Tell us about your children's books.
My writing style is a little different than
most. My books are comprehensive lessons for children that will excite
and inspire them. I generally do not write in a story form like most children’s
book authors, but in relatable lessons. For example, in my latest book The Do’s
and Don’ts, each two-page spread lists a manner do and a manner don’t. That way
you can either read the whole book or just a few of the lessons. With my book,
Fifo “50 States” there is a two-page spread on each state, so again, you can
read through the whole book or just the states you like to visit. Each two-page
spread will hopefully invoke conversation between the reader and the audience.
I currently have three books with one on the
way. Along with my recent release above, The Do’s and Don’ts, I
have two in the Fifo the Bear book series.
Fifo When I Grow Up is about a brown bear from Denali National
Park. He is six years old, and in the first grade. Today is the first day of
school, and Fifo is a bit scared.
Mama comforts him with his favorite breakfast,
and they talk about what he wants to be when he grows up. By the end of
breakfast, Fifo's been a doctor, a fireman, a pilot, a policeman, a teacher and
even the president.
Now he's ready for anything, even the first
day of school.
Fifo 50 States is a delightful rhyming story where,
Fifo, a warm and lovable brown bear, is bitten by the travel bug. Fifo dreams
of digging up diamonds in Arkansas, looking for fossils in Kansas,
enjoying a delicious bowl of gumbo inLouisiana, and even seeing a Broadway show
in New York. Yes, America is an exciting place!
Fifo's second book is full of adventure. A
colorful reference-like geography book, Fifo discovers the wonders each state
has to offer. He learns along the way each state's capital, shape, flag, motto,
and much, much more. The possibilities are endless! So, come along with Fifo
and you'll soon discover the beauty of America one state to another.
A positive experience for both Fifo and the reader. Learning should always be
this much fun!
Do you have a website/blog where readers may
learn more about you and your works?
I currently have two website:
I can also be found on Twitter and Facebook:
Who are your favorite authors?
As a kid I loved Dr. Seuss and Shel
Silverstein. I loved the rhyming words and the silliness of it all.
Now I am into children's books by authors Sheri Fink, Gladys Barbieri, Alva
Sachs and Donalisa Helsley. I like positive, relatable books that are written
well and inspire you to become a better person.
Where are your books available?
Autographed copies are available through my
website at:
You can also find them at:
Amazon:
Inkwell Productions:
What are you working on now?
I have a new book coming out later this year
called, Today I Feel Emotion. This interactive book is the
follow up to The Do’s and Don’ts. It displays a various range of
different emotions and then asks you to relate to them. It was inspired by my
godson, Zack who is autistic. I am hoping it will help children be more
self aware of themselves and their feelings.
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